Refrigeration apparatus



Nov. 2, 1943. L. DE MARKUs ETI'AL 2,333,154

REFRIGERATIONAPPARATUS Filed Oct. 10. 1939 7 Sheets-Sheet l mwkw Nov. 2, 1943. L. DE MARKUS ETAL 2,333,154

REFRIGERATION APPARATUS Filed Oct. 10, 1939 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 Nov. 2, 1943. L. D E MARKUS ETAL 2,333,154

I REFRIGERATION APPARATUS Filed Oct. 10, 1939 7 Sheets-Sheet s we. l||||\| A paw '7 Sheets-Sheet 4 IMHI IHHLT I IHHMIHHHuh n llllllJulllilllllllWll II Nov. 2, 1943. 1. DE MARKUS ETAL REFRIGERATION APPARATUS Filed Oct. 10, 1939 Nov. 2, 1943. L. DE MARKUS ETAL 2,333,154

REFRIGERATION APPARATUS Filed Oct. I0. 1939 I '7 Sheets-Sheet 5 Nov. 2, 1943. L DE MARKUS AL 2,333,154

REFRIGERATION APPARATUS Filed Oct. 10, 1939 7 sheetg- -sheet 6 Vi e 53 Nov. 2, 1943- L. DE MARKUS ETAL REFRIGERATION APPARATUS- Filed Oct. 10, 1939 7 Sheets-Sheet 7 Patented Nov. 2, 1943 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE REFRIGERATION APPARATUS Louis De Markus, Blawnox, and Leon Buehler, .l'r.,

Waynesboro, Pa., assignors to Frick Company, Waynesboro, Pa., a corporation of Pennsylvania Application October 10, 1939, Serial No. 298,864

Claims.

This invention relates to the brewing of beer and more particularly to the treatment of carbon dioxide evolved during the beer fermentation process, the collection and storage of the said carbon dioxide in both gaseous and liquid phases, andthe selective utilization of gaseous andliqu'id carbon-dioxide in thehandling of the beer.

This application is a. continuation inpart of copehding application Serial Number 237,100, filed October 26, 1938, nowPatent No; 2,239,485 granted April122, 1941; entitled Refrigeration-apparatus, and as explained inthat; case,- in the treatment of .beer between the time'of processing in the brew kettleand themoment the'beer reaches the consumers glass, if the beer is to'b'e- Of'high qualit'yf having desirable characteristics," it isessential that quantities ofca'rbon dioxide" gas; having predetermined chara cte'ristics, be available-for use in connection with the beer While it is desirable that air come in Contact with the beer at certain times, for example du'rdurin'g'this interim.

ing-the beginningof fermentation whereby ox-idation tak's place hastening} the propagation of the yeast and accelerating the decomposition/of fernientable sugar into carbon dioxideg'as and alcohol, and at-the time beer is dispensed from afaucet or the mouth of 'a'bottle into a glass whereby-the mixtur'e of air with the beer creates a'promifoam-head and brings out the choicest aromas, yet-'it'is generally to the'b'enefit ofthe qgiality of the beer if it be protected""from-improper oxidation,- which protection may be'efiect edby-propcr treatment with' carbon dioxide of predetermined characteristics, as will later be described. I

- During the" fermentation process. the carbon dioxidelgas generated expels surplus air from-the beerand protects it from further deleter us air contacts by blanketing the beer surface with this inert a'n'dantiseptic gas. Further, as uniformity of roamis-"highly desirable especially in" connection with packaged beer as in cans or bottles, the absenceof air and the presence of; carbon dioxide of the proper characteristics serves to maintain uniformityin the conservation or pres ervation of the ingredients of the beer and inall bottles'or cans so treated,- for the character of the-foam depends primarily upon: the

nature and condition of the ingredients of the 'It'has been found in practicethat notcnly' is it essential that the beer be treated with pure carbon dioxide, but that the carbon dioxide used for the treatment be least altered as is'p'ossible withregard to the Ivolatiles that fermentation gas contains. While this quality of the carbon: dioxide is important and not to be disregarded at any time during the manufacturing, handling or processing of the beer, yet some step'sof the process require the'highest standard of unaltered carbon dioxide whereas in'other' steps of; the processa' lesser standard of unaltered'carbon dioxide will be satisfactory. It is important, however;' that the standards. of' carbon dioxide be related to the proper steps in the. process, otherwisean inferior beer'will'result; -Forfexample, if a: lesser standard of carbon-dioxideisused' in that stepofthe process which'requires the high- 2 est standard, then one may expect an inferior. been: In the carbonation-of-the beer, it is essential that a very highstandard of carbon? dioxide available be utilized if-proper taste,- aroma; foam= and shelf age characteristics are-,to'result; Inthe transferring of beer to various points 'of proc'- essing? andin the fillingof containers withfgthe 'ne'wly brewed beer, it is'essential'that' carbon dioxide gas and not air be utilized','but the'standard of this carbon dioxide gas may be'not so high as that of the gas used in the carbonationstep.

Prior to the" instant invention, air has been used for' effecting transportation "of the beer from one place toanother and'filhngofcontainers' onthe theory that the air is in contact with the beer for so short a time that a measurable deleterious effect does not occur." This theory; however; is iallaciousfor it'hasbeen shown that a beerofs'u'pe'rior taste and uniform character capableo'f greater 'shelf'lifewill result if carbon dioxide is used forthis' purpose. 'Al'so prior to' this invention, no provisions ha'dbe en made for storing carbon dioxide in suilicient quantities" topr'ovide' for its proper use to efiect' a beer packaged in kegs, bottles, or cans which is more appealing to the palate, more delicate in aroma, having a consistent foam-head, a pasteuriz'ation taste which is least noticeable a beer which can better stand the abuses of transportation, the various temperatures of, storage, and consequently a much longer, uniform shelf life.

It is an object of the instant invention to provide a novel system for the collection and storage of carbon dioxide-gas-evolvedduringa beer ferment'ation process and a selective arrangement for the distribution of the'collected carbon diox ide topoints of utilization; 1 7

It is a further object of the instant invention to provide a system of selective distribution of carbon dioxide gas and carbon dioxide liquid.

It is another object of the invention to provide a novel arrangement for the bottling of carbon dioxide.

Other objects and the nature and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: V

Fig. l is a diagrammatic view of a system for the collection, storage and utilization of carbon dioxide gas evolved during a beer fermentation process;

Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic view of a system for collecting and bottling carbon dioxide liquid; and, v q

Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. ;2 but of a modified system permittingsubstantially continuous filling operations.

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary diagrammatic view of a modified system for collecting and bottling carbon dioxide liquid;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary diagrammatic view of a modified system for the collection, storage and utilization of carbon dioxide evolved during a beer fermentation process and involving the regasification of carbon dioxide liquid;

Fig. 6 is a view similar to Fig. 5 but illustrating a modified system of controls;

Fig, 7is a view similar'to Figs. 5 and 6 but illustrating a still further modified system of controls; v 1 v Fig. 8 is a view similar to Fig. l and'illustrat ing a novel heat exchanger in association with the collection apparatus of; the system; 'and Fig, 9 is an enlarged sectional detail view of a gas purifier included the system shown in Fig. 8.

Referring to the drawings more particularly to Fig. l, a closed beer fermentation tank I is arranged on the "brewery' fioor H. By means of conduit 12 leading fromthe upper wall of the fermentation tank l0, carbon dioxide which has evolved during the fermenting process may be exhausted to the atmosphere through connecting conduit l3 when the valve I4 is open. With the valve I open, however, and the valve .14 closed, the evolved carbon dioxide may be drawn through conduits I6, l1 and I8, foam trap l3 and thence through conduits 20 and 2! to carbon dioxide gas compressor 22. Associated with the conduits l6 and I2 leading from the fermentation tank In isa conduit 23, the lower portion of which is controlled by valve 24 which may be used for sampling the gas, whereby it may be ascertained whether or not the gas is in proper condition for use as intended.

From the carbon dioxide compressor 22, which is described in greater detail in Pat. No. 2,239.485, the gas at a pressure of approximately two hundred and twenty-five pounds to.

two hundred and fifty pounds-per square inch is passed through conduit 25 to condenser 30, also described in detail in said patent, and which condenser 30 the carbon dioxide gas is translated to its liquid form and by gravity is passed through conduit 3| to a storage tank 33, wherein the carbon dioxide-is stored. The equalizing conduit 34 connects the portion of the condenser 30 above the liquid level therein with the gaseous carbon dioxide space of the storage tank 33 about which is placed insulation 35 in order to retard the flow of heat from the ambient about the storage tank thereinto.

Leading from the upper portion of the storage tank 33, or the gaseous carbon dioxide space above the liquid level therein, is a conduit 31 which acts to distribute gaseous carbon dioxide to the beer transporting or conveying apparatus T, indicated schematically, and the bottle filling apparatus B, also indicated schematically. The valves X and Y serve to control the passage of gas to the apparatus T and the apparatus B, as desired. The transporting or conveying apparatus is operated by fiuid pressure or other motivating force but involves contact of gaseous .carbon dioxide with the beer being handled.

Among the various steps involved in the filling of bottles or other containers with beer, the step of displacing the air in the containers to be filled with carbon dioxide gas is not to be overlooked. In accordance with the invention, gaseous carbon dioxide removed from the gaseous space in a storage tank 33 above the liquid level therein is used for this purpose.

Leading from below the liquid level within the storage tank 33 is a conduit P which serves to pass liquid from the storage tank 33 to a place of utilization such as carbonating apparatus C. Within the conduit P there may be installed a pressure reducing valve R prior to the entrance of the conduit P to within a room H to be cooled which may be insulated as illustrated. In the conduit P, subsequent to the reducing valve R and within the room to be cooled is th heat absorbing coil E which acts to economically utilize the latent heat of evaporation of the liquid carbon dioxide, whereby it will not be wasted prior to its use in the carbonating apparatus.

1 Located within a second cold storage room 39,

= or other room from which it is desired to remove heat, 'is a heat absorber 40, which may comprise a finned coil or equivalent heat exchanger through i which a suitable heat'exchange medium is adapted to be circulated by the motor pump 4| which draws relatively warm heat exchange medium,

say at a: temperature of 32 to 36 F. through conduit 42, conduit 43, hairpin coil 44 located within the liquid carbon dioxide stored in the storage tank 33, thence through conduit 45, motor pump 4|, and through conduit 45 back to the heat absorber 40 to complete the cycle. The hairpin coil 44 serves to discharge heat from the 'heat exchange medium passing through it which has received heat from the heat absorber 40 to the liquid carbon dioxide within the storage tank 33, converting it from a liquid phase to a gaseous phase, in which gaseous phase it may be passed through the conduit 31 controlled by a valve 38 to a place of use such as for example, the apparatus T or the apparatus B, or both, or their equivalents. A storage tank 41 connected to the conduits 42 and 43 by a conduit 48 allows for expansion and contraction of the heat exchange medium, which may comprise ethyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol'and water, or other brine.

The provision for the association of a distributing' system including conduit 31 with the storage tank 33 whereby gaseous carbon dioxide may be passed to the apparatus T and B; and the distributing system including the conduit P for effecting transfer of carbon dioxide from the storage tank 33 to the apparatus C, effects the utilization of fermentation gas of high standard where it is required in the handling of the beer and the utilization of a lesser standard of carbon dioxide where the higher standard is not required. It has been found that the liquefaction of carbon dioxide makes for its purity and high standard and in thoseprocesses which require a haps due to the fact that some of the impurities do not liquefy and remain in a gaseous phase andsome condense and separate due to difference in weight. In order to remove these impurities from the surface of the relatively high standard liquid carbon dioxide, utilization of the gaseous carbon dioxide vapors located above the level of the liquid within the storage tank 33 is made. The distributing system including the conduit 31 efiects this latter purpose and serves to transfer gaseous carbon dioxide of not the highest grade to those places of utilization in the handling of beer which do not require carbon dioxide of the highest grade. The conduitP which serves to transfer high standard liquid carbon dioxide to the carbonating apparatus C or other places of utilization which require carbon dioxide of high standard, has been described as including a reducing valve R which serves to reduce the pressure or help translate the phase of the carbon dioxide passing therethrough. It is to be understood that it is within the scope of this invention to omit the use of such valve.

In order to control the carbon dioxde pressure and liquefycarbon dioxide, 9, pressure responsive 1 device 49 is arranged in association with the interior of the storage tank 33 and with a switch 50 in circuit of the electric motor 52 which drives compressor 53 which in turn serves to withdraw evaporated ammonia from an 'evaporator type heat exchanger 54 ofcondensing apparatus 30, whereby when the carbon dioxide pressure within the storage tank :33 has dropped to say one hundred and-seventy-five pounds;; the switch 50 will be open and the suction effect of the compressor 53 caused to stop. When' the pressure within the storage tan-K33 reaches say two hundred and twenty-five or two hundred and fiftypounds, the switch 50 will be closed and the operation of the compressor 53 begum Should the carbon dioxide gasnbe withdrawn from the conduit 31 faster than the carbon dioxide will boil off from the liquid within the storage tank 33 by reason of the heat leakage thereto from the ambient through the insulation 35, then operation of the fluid pump 4| will be effected and Warm. brine will be passed :through the hairpin coil 44, warming the carbon. dioxide liquid, evaporating'a portion thereof and increasing the pressure in the storage tank 33. This operation is efiected by pressurestat 55 associated with the interior of the storage-tank 33 anda switch 55 in the circuit 5! of the motor pump 4| in a manner such that when the pressure in the storage tank 33' is at or below 125' pounds, the switch 56 will be closed and operation of the motor pump 4| initiated; and when :a pressure of 150 pounds within the storage tank 33 is reached, the switch 56 will be opened. and operation of the motor pump 4| will cease. Though this arrangement eifectively supplies :heat to the carbon dioxide in liquid phase within the storage tank 33, it is to be understood that it is within the scope of the invention to utilize any other heating means for this purpose, such as, for example, a steam heating coil or an electric resistance coil.

Ammonia refrigerant vapor withdrawn from the ammonia space within theheat exchanger 54, illustrated and described in greater detail in the-aforementioned copending application, of the condensing apparatus 30, is withdrawn through the conduit 59 to the suction inlet 60 of the low pressure ammonia compressor 53 wherein the ammonia vapor is compressed to a pressure correspondingvtothe suction pressure of the main compressor 15 of the brewery refrigeration system. A conduit 16 is associated with the discharge side of the low pressure compressor 53 and serves to lead ammonia refrigerant vapor from the low pressure compressor to the suction side of the main ammonia compressor 15 wherein the refrigerant is compressed to a condensing temperature and passed through conduit H which leads to ammonia condenser 18 from whence the liquid ammonia is passed through conduit I9 to the receiver 63. From the ammonia receiver 63 liquid ammonia may be passed to the brewery refrlgeration coils, not shown, by means of conduit controlled by valve 8|, and, similarly, liquid ammonia may be passed through the conduit 54 controlled by valve 82 to the heat exchanger 54 as already described. Ammonia refrigerant vapor evaporated in the brewery refrigeration coils is returned to the brewery ammonia compressor through conduit 83 which is open to the conduit I6 leading to the suction side of the main compressor I5.

Theliquid carbon dioxide evolved by the above described apparatus may not only be utilized directly from the storage tank 33 but it may be stored in portable tanks and conveyed to other localities for-various purposes including not only the carbonation of beer but also the carbonation of sodawater and-other beverages. In order to provide for the transfer of liquid from the .storage tank-332mm portable containers -|00- such as illustrated in Figs: 2 and 3, the apparatus disqs d mt hes tw a be utilized- Referring to 'Fig. 2 an auxiliary receiver IDI- is-provided below the level of the storage tank 33 and is connectedtherewith by liquid line I02 and equalizing vapor line- Hi3, A valve I04 is located in the line-I112 and a valve is located in -the line I03,-wher eby when the-valves I04 and I05" are open, the pressure-in both tanks will be'substantially the same if the liquid head is disregarded.E As ,a safety measure, a tank' I06 is located-above thestorage tank 33 and is connected to the auxiliary receiver -l-0I by conduit I01, whereby'the receiver IDI and tank 106 taken as .a unit will never be completely filled by liquid from storage tank 33. A sight glass I138 is associated withone end ofthe receiver |0| whereby the filling thereof to the desired level may be readily effected.

,A-heater H, which may .be of. theelectric resistance type, fluid medium type, or its equivalent,--is located within or in heat exchange relation with the interior ofthereceiver IU I, whereby when the valves I04 and 105 are open to admit a quantity of liquid carbon dioxide to the receiver I-|l|, which quantity is preferably less than the entire'volume of the receiver Ill-I, and the valves I114 and I05, then closed; the heater H may be operated to effect transmission of sufficient heat to the liquid within the receiver to raise its pressure to a value sufficient to effect transfer of the liquid within the storage tank I-OI through conduit I09 controlled by discharge valve H0 into the shipping container I00. The container I00 .may .thenbe stoppered -or closed in any desired manner and the process described repeated in order to effect the filling of a second container. It will be appreciated that the liquid within the container I will not readily flow into the tank I00 by gravity as the temperature of the liquid carbon dioxide is very low and the pressure correspondingly low. The temperature of the container I00 and the ambient thereabout being very high, any'liquid carbon dioxide of low temperature contacting same would immediately have its pressure raised to that which corresponds to its temperature which would be in the neighborhood of one thousand pounds per square inch. Accordingly, the above described apparatus andmethod serve to raise the pressure of the liquid within the auxiliary receiver IM to a value sufficient to effect the transfer of liquid from the receiver IM to the shipping container I00.

Not only may the process of filling shipping containers be intermittent as described in connection with Fig. 2, but it may be more or less continuous when the apparatus in Fig. 3 is utilized. In this embodiment of the invention two auxiliary receivers I 0 I and I0 I a are utilized, their connections with the storage tank 33 being similar to' that described of the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 2. Leading from the bottom of each auxiliary receiver IOI and "Ho are discharge lines I09 and I09a, each individually controlled by valves I I0 and Ba. A manifold III is adapted to receive the discharge of the lines I09 and IBM and convey same to the containers I00 through discharge connection II2 controlled by discharge valve I I3; In the operation of the substantially continuous device illustrated in Fig. 3, the shipping containers I00 are adapted to-be passed by the conveyor II 4 beneath the'discharge connection H2. The operator effects the filling of the auxiliary receivers I00'and I00a alternately by the operation of the valves I04 and I05 as described; and then thevalves I04a and I05a in a similar manner. The heaters H and H are operated at a .timecorresponding to the operation of the valves I04 and I05 and the valves I04a and I05a.- When the valves I04 and I05 are in open position andvthe filling-'ofthe auxiliary receiver IOI is being-,efiected,then thevalves I04a and I05a are closed and the heater H is in operation. The heater H is then turned oil. The valve H0 is closed and the valve Do is opened. The valve H3 is opened whereby the container I00 will be filled by liquid discharged from auxiliary receiver I00a. When auxiliary receiver I00a is empty, the valve M is closed, the heater H is turned off, the valves I040. and I05a are opened, the valves I04 and I05 areclosed, the valve H0 is opened, the heater H is turned on, and a succeeding container filled by liquid from auxiliary receiver I0 I. The size of the auxiliary receivers may be related to the'size of the shipping containers I00. Thus, it will beunderstood that a substantially continuous filling of the containers I00 may be effected by the apparatus disclosed in Fig. 3.

.The utilization of the relatively high level tank I05-and connecting line-I01, as depicted in Fig. 2,'=in association with the auxiliary receiver IOI may be'dispensed with in the modified construction shown inFig. 4 wherein the pipe line I03 leads to within'the auxiliary-receiver IOI at a location below the top' whereby a gas pocket I06a is formed above the liquidlevel in order that the auxiliary receiver I M may never be-completely filled'z-with. liquid. Should the auxiliary receiver I0-Iathereupon attain an abnormally high temperature so as to measurably have the pressure therewithin increased, the gas pocket above the liquid level therewithin-will be capable of functioning asa. safety factor preventing the bursting 'of the auxiliary receiver IIII, which undesirable effect might take place if no provision were made for the gas pocket I06a. Since liquid within the auxiliary receiver II is relatively incompressible, a comparatively slight temperature rise in the tank completely filled with liquid will result in a great and possibly danger pressure rise. When a gas space is provided, as described, the pressure increase will be relatively small and approximately equivalent to the increase in condensing pressure due to the temperature rise. Whereas, in the modified system shown in Fig. 4, the pipe line I03 enters the auxiliary receiver I 0| below the top, it is to be understood that an equivalent structure might involve the entrance of the pipe I03 within the auxiliary receiver IOI from the top thereof but that the outlet oi the pipe I 03 in such construction would be below the liquid level, the line I03 extending through the upper wall of the auxiliary receiver the conduit P serves to lead liquid carbon diox-v ide from the insulated storage tank 33 to the inlet II5 of evaporator coil E. Replacing the reducing valve R prior to the inlet I I5 of an evaporator E is the thermostatically controlled valve IIB located in the line III which connectsthe outlet II 8 of the coil E with the carbonating apparatus C. A thermostatic bulb II9rlocated in or adjacent and in contact with the line II'I at or subsequent to the outlet I I8 of the coil E servesas the actuator for the valve element of the thermostatic valve II6. This thermal bulb H9 is constructed, arranged and adjusted to effect the opening of the valve I I5 when the temperature or; the carbon dioxide leaving the evaporator coil E. is in excess of the evaporating temperature of the carbon dioxide liquid within the evaporator coil. This construction and adjustment serve to prevent the passage of liquid carbon dioxide from reaching the valve I I6 and the apparatus beyond it. In order to supply heat to the evaporator coil E, a motor fan I20 may be located adjacent the said coil and force air from the ambient thereabout over the coil E. A source of electric current I2I may supply the energy for the operation of the motor fan I20 through the circuit I22. Should the pressure or temperature of the carbon dioxide leaving the evaporator coil attain an excessive value due to the continued operation of the motor fan I20, Sylphon tube I23 directly connected with the line II'I subsequent to;

the outlet I I8 of the coil E will expand and efiect the opening of switch I24 within the circuit I22. As soon as the pressure or temperature which corresponds to the pressure within the line II'I directly subsequent to the outlet I I8 of the coil E once again reaches a normal low value, the bellows I23 will contract and effect the closing of the switch I24 in orderthat the motorfan I20 may again serve to forcerelatively warm air over the evaporator coil E to regasify the relatively pure carbon dioxide led therewithin from the insulatedstorage tank 33 bythe conduit B. It is to be understood that itis within.

, the scope of the invention to associate a meas-;

or metering orifice with the pipe line II I adjacent the thermostatic valve I-I Ii and the valve IIB be so designed as tobe either fully opened or fully closed depending upon the temperature adjacent the thermal bulb I I3.

During regasification of the relatively pure liquid carbon dioxide, and in its passage through the evaporator coil E, the temperature of the exterior of the coil E may be well below the dew point of the ambient thereabout and infact the temperature may drop below the freezing point. Accordingly, during operation of'the' equipment, ice may form on the surface of the coil E and itis essential that a provision be made for the de-icirig or de-frosting' thereof. Referring to Fig. 6 the conduit P serves to-lead-relatively pure carbon dioxide in liquid form the insulated storage tank 3'3t0 the inlet- II5-of the evaporating coil E which receives heat from the ambient forced thereover bymotor fan- I20. Regasified relatively pure carbon dioxide leaves the outlet I'I8 of the evaporator coil E' and is led to the storage tanks I25 which serve to hold the reevaporated gas through the pipeline III which is controlled bythe electromagnetic valve I16. A metering orifice I-ZB is located inthe line I'I'I subsequent to the electromagneticvalve H6. In series with the orifice I26 and subsequent thereto in line H1 is a hand valve [212 Inseries with the hand valve and subsequent thereto is a one way or check valve I23 whicl'r'pre'vents back flow from the storage tanks' l25to" the evaporator coil E'when the electromagnetic valve H6 or the handvalve I2? is opened; An'electric' source I 2I serves to feed electric'current tln'ough the line I29 through the electromagnetic'coil I30, through pressure switch I SL WIien' the same is closeithrough line I32 which i's'connecteii to line I33"which lead s back tothe electric source I2I. The electromagnetic coil is arrangedabout the pole piece I34-and serves to h'old the switches F35 and F36 cl'oseol aslong asthe pressure switch I 3I is'closed'. The pressure-switch is actuated bya pressureiSyIphon element I31 which is connectedto the carbon dioxide conduit H1 at a point subsequent to' the electromagnetic valve H6 and orifice I26, whereby whenthe pressure within the line I IIat the location of'the Sylphon I3! becomesexcessive, thefpressure switch I'3'I will open effecting the opening, of the" switches I35 and I36. Howeven during normal operation, the pressure within'the pipe line I I1 is not excessive and the pressure switch I3 I is closed effecting the closing of'tl'ie" switches I35 and I36 by the energization of the electromagnetic coil I30. With the switches I35 and ,I 36' closed, electric current from the source I21 maypass through line- I29, through the switch I35to the. line I38 which connects with the line I33 leading to the niotorfan I20.. Aline I40 returns from the motor fan I20'aiid'connects. with line. I4'I 'wliich when 'theswitch I35 is closed, is connected to. the line I33" which leads'back to the. electric source I2I. Hence with the pressure=switch I 3I closed,-the electromagnetic coil I30 will close the switches I35 and I36 to effect theenergization and operation of the motor fan I20 which. will effect the supply of heat to the evaporator coil E-necessary to make for regasification of the liquid carbon dioxide within the evaporator coil E. The electromagnetic:valve-I.IBis normally opened by the following electricalcurrent; current passing through the line I 38;to'- the junction MI and thence through the lines I42 and; I43 through the thermostatic" switch. 144 which isnaclosedv at. tenperatures above 32 R, through the line I45 which is connected with the electromagnetic coil I46. The current then passes on through the coil I46, the outlet of which is associated with line I41. which is connected to junction I48. Line I4I passes from the junction I48 to line 9 which is connected to the line I40 and from thence the current passes back across the switch I36 and through the line I33 to the electric source I2I'. Hence when the pressure within the line H1 is normal, the switches I35 and I33 are closed, the motor fan I20 is in operation and the electromagnetic coil I46 is energized so that it causes pole piece I50 to move in a direction to close switches I5I and I52 whereby current from line I33 may travel to junction MI and then backward through line I53 through the electromagnetic coil within electromagnetic valve H6 and then back through line I54 and switch I5I to Junction I48 and back through line I49, line I III, switch I36, and line I33 to the electric source I2I. The energization of the electromagnetic coil within the electromagnetic valve IIB serves to hold this valve in open position. As long as the temperature at the inlet II5 of the evapora-tor coil E remains above 32 F. the operation. described will take place for the thermostat I44 is associated by the line I45 with the evapo rator inlet H5. While the switches I5I and I52 are closed; the temperature within the evaporator coil may drop down to 0 R, and the thermostatic switch; l44 may open but the electromagnetic coil I46 will still be energized as the current from the line I42 will then pass through the switch i52 through theline I55, thermostatic switch F56, and line I51 00' theelectromagnetic coil I46. As the thermostatic switch I56 is adjusted so as not to open unless the temperature goes below 0"F.,- the operation described will still take place. However, if the temperature at the outlet II 8 of the evaporator coil E with which the'thermostatic switch- I58 is connected by the line I58 drops below 0 Fzyindicating that defrosting necessary, the switch I56 open, the thermostatic switch I44 will be already open, and the electromagnetic coil I46" will be deenergized, opening the circuit to the electromagnetic coil within the electromagnetic valve I I6 and the valve'II6 will be closed preventing further regasification of the liquid carbon dioxide within the coil E. However, the motor fan I20 will continue to operate to effect the de-icing or defrosting .of the evaporator coil E as long as the pressure within line II I is not excessive. When. the temperature at the inlet H5 of the evaporator coil E rises to 32 F., the electromagnetic valve III; will again be opened and normal flow to the storage tanks I26 result An alternative system for the regasification of the relatively very pure liquid carbon dioxide is shown in Fig. wherein the insulated storage tank 33 feeds liquid carbon dioxide through the conduit P, the evaporator coil E and line .I IT to the storage tanks I25 which serve to hold the reevaporated' or regasified liquid fermentation gas. As in Fig. 6, thermostatic switches I44 and I56, respectively, a-re associated with the inlet H5 and outlet 8', respectively, of the evaporator coil E and the orifice I26, the hand valve I21, and the check valve I28 are in series, in the order named, in the line H! subsequent to the electromagnetic valve II Ii; Between the evaporator outlet I18 and the electromagnetic valve II 6 and in the line III is safety valve I58 which is adapted to open should the pressure within the system prior to diaphragm will move upwards and move switch element I6I to its closed position, spring I89 holds switch I6I normally open and predetermines a certain differential pressure between L and B at which the switch I6I begins to operate. The pressure of the spring I 89 may be varied by screw I9I contained under screw cap I00. When the pressure at M is greater than the pressure at L, the diaphragm will move downwardly and the switch element IBI will be moved to the open position shown due to gas consumption by the carbonators or other use from the tanks I25. Under normal operation, the pressure at L will be greater than the pressure at M and the switch element I6I will be closed, permitting current to pass from the source I2I through line I62,line I63,electromagnetic coil I64, line I65, line I66, and back through line I61 to the source of current I2I. This will effect energization of the electromagnetic coil I64 causing the pole piece I68 to move in a direction to close switches I69 and I10 whereby current may pass from source I2I through line I62, across switch I69, back through line I1I to the motor fan I20 and return through line I12, across switch I10 and by way of line I61 back to the electric source I2I to efiect the operation of the motor fan I20. Hence when the differential diaphragm switch I60 is closed, the switches I59 and I10 will be closed and the motor fan I20 will operate to force heated ambient over the evaporatorE to effect regasificaton of the relatively pure liquid carbon dioxide. When the temperature at the inlet II of the evaporator coil E is above 32 F., the thermostatic switch I44 will be in its closed position, and the current may pass from the source I2I through the line I62 across the switch I69, through the line I13 to the junction I14 and thence through the line I15, across the switch I44 downwardly through line I16 to the junction I11, through electromagnetic coil I18, line I19, line I80 to the junction I8I, across switch I10, through line I61 and back to the source I2I. This energization of the electromagnetic coil will efiect movement of the pole piece I82 in a direction to close the switches I83 and I84 whereby current may pass from the source I2I through the line I62 across the switch I69 through line I13 to the junction I14, thence upwardly through the line I85 to the electromagnetic coil of the valve II6, thence downwardly through the line I86 across the switch I83 and back through lines I80, junction I8I, across switch I10, and 'line I61 to the source I2I. Accordingly, when the thermostatic switch I44 is closed, the electromagnetic valve I I6 will be open, thereby permitting normal flow of the regasified carbon dioxide-from the evaporator coil E to the storage tanks I25. As the evaporator coil E grows colder, the inlet II5 may drop to a temperature of 0 F. but the electromagnetic valve will still remain open if the thermostatic switch I56 is closed. This switch I56 is adapted to be closed at about 0 F. and opens at about minus F. The switch I44 is adapted to be closed at about 32 F. and opened at about 0 F. Assuming the temperature of the carbon dioxide entering the evaporator coil E is dropped to 0 F., the switch I44 will be opened and the switch I56 will be closed. Current may then pass from the source I2I through the line I62, across switch I60, through line I13, across the switch I84 upwardly through the line I81, across the switch I56 downwardly through the line I88 to the junction I11, through the electromagnetic coil I18, line I19, line I to junction I8I, across switch I10, and back through line I61 to the source I2I. Hence, even with the switch I44 open, as long as the switch I56 is closed the electromagnetic coil I18 will be energized to hold the switches I83 and I84 in their closed position and the electromagnetic valve will be open as before. However, when the temperature at the outlet II8 of the evaporator coil E drops below minus 10 F., the switches I83 and I84 will be opened, the magnetic valve I I6 will be closed and the fan I20 will force heated ambient over the evaporator coil E to de-ice or defrost the same for the circuit, since the fan I20, as has already been described, is only dependent on the position of the difierential diaphragm switch I60. The system described will operate to efiect the revolatilization or regasification of the relatively pure liquid carbon dioxide from the insulated storage tank 33 and pass it through the storage tanks I25 under normal conditions. However, should the evaporator coil E become heavily frosted as it drops totemperatures at or below minus 10 F., it will be automatically de-iced or defrosted and the flow from the regasified carbon dioxide intermittently cut off.

A modified system of handling the fermentation gas evolved by the fermentation tank I0 and compressed and'cooledby the compression apparatus 22 is illustrated in Fig. 8. Referring to this figure, the compressed and washed gas leaving the apparatus 22 is passed through the conduit 25a to the exterior cylinder.200 of precooler heat exchanger ZOLwhereint egaS is precooled to a temperature just above its condensing temperature. ,The precooled gas-then leaves the-heat exchanger 20I and traverses the conduit 25b which leads to the condensing apparatus 30. Liquid from the bottom of the storage tank 33 is passed through conduit 202 through interior cylinder 203 of heat exchanger 20I andv thence through conduit 204 and connection 205 to the top of the storagettank 33, whereby the relatively cold liquid from. the storage tank 33 is utilized to precool the compressed gas leaving the compression apparatus 22. Thisheat exchanger or precooler 20I serves to dehydrate the gas and, therefore, prevent rapid frosting of the condenser 30. The heat exchanger 2| may be periodically defrosted and the water removed through the conduit202a by opening the valve 205, which valve is normally closed. Valve 206 may be provided in the line 25a, the valve 201 in the line 25b, and valve 208 in the line 20211, in order to control the flow of heat absorbing liquid and heat rejecting gas. It is significant "-thatin addition to dehydrating the gas, the heat exchanger or precooler 20] serves to condense certain impurities from the gas with the water which materially benefits the final carbon dioxide liquid. One of these impurities has' been found to be banana oil, and another impurity has been found to be ether. Hence, the importance of the heat exchanger precooler 20I will be'appreciated. The heat exchanger 20I is arrangedwith its axis somewhat sloping from the horizontal and below the level of the storage tank 33 whereby the internal tube 203 becomes filled with carbon dioxide liquid and any gas boiling off returns to the top of the storage tank. This arrangement is decidedly advantageous and it cools the incoming gas from the condenser 30 to the line a is permitted if the gas supply pressure drops, which back fiow shunts the heat exchanger.

It is to be understood that it is within the scope of the invention to provide deodorizers in the lines leading to the shipping containers to be filled in order to remove any volatiles and their characteristic odors. One such deodorizer or gas purifier 220 may be located immediately prior to the compressing apparatus 22, see Fig. 8, which .deodorizer or gas purifier is shown in detail in Fig. 9. The conduit 20a leads to deodorizer or gas purifier 220 wherein the gas. is conducted through downwardly depending central pipe 22! supported by head 222 and up through the scrubber screens 222', through the deodorizing or puriiying liquid 223, which may be permanganate of potash, to the collecting chamber 224, and thence out through opening 225, in the head 222. to the line 28b leading to the compressing apparatus. A hand hold 226 may be conveniently located near the bottom of the deodorizer or purifier 220, and drain pipe 221 may lead from the bottom thereof, which drain pipe may be controlled by valve228. A filler or'charging assembly 229 may be associated with the top head 222 and comprise a chemical inlet funnel 230, and a water inlet 23] con trolled by valve 232., Valves 2 33 and 234 may be located in the assembly 2 2g immediately prior and subsequent to the water inlet respectively. A sight glass assembly 235 may be associated with the deodorizer or purifier 220 for indicating the level of the liquid chemical therewithin; In oper ation the gas from the fermentation tank. lll'is passedthroug h the deodorizeror purifier and the deodoriz'ed and purified gas then led to the compression apparatus from whence it'is conducted to the collecting, storage and utilization equipment. The use of the deodorlzerior purifier is particularly essential when some of the gas is to be subsequently used in connection with soft drinks and the like.

It is well known thatduring the fermentation cycle different qualities of carbon dioxide are evolved at different times. Hence, in the brewery where gas is to be used for beer carbonating it is not always necessary for it to be passed through a purifier as described above, providing that only gas of high quality is collected. However, less desirable gas may be passed through the purifier and it is then satisfactory for use in beer carbonation; Whenthe gas is to be used for other purposes, such as soft drinks'and'the like, the permanganate purifier'is veryessential, as is also the action of the heat exchanger 201 and the condenser 30, which further improve the quality of the gas coming from the purifier. The ad'- vantages derived from these elements arranged inthe particular combinations described have been proved not only by the smelling of the gas by experts, but also by quantitative tests which indicate the elimination of air, and further, the manipulation of various drain valves such as on the precooler or heat exchange 20! has made it possible to take samples for examination and analysis, which samples-have indicated by their means in said carbonating means.

odor and otherwise that undesirable constituents have been removed.

The above described apparatus and method serve to ingeniously effect liquefaction of fermentation gases in order to store and purify at least a portion thereof, continuouslyremove unliquefied portions from the surface of the liquefied portion, whereby the relatively impure gases-will not contaminate the pure gases, and distribute the purified liquid to places of utilization in the beer making process where pure gases are required for excellency of finished product, and further, serve to distribute unliquefied portions of carbon dioxide gas to those places of utilization where the highest standard of carbon dioxide gas is not required. The invention also contemplates a novel collecting, transferring and storing apparatus and method whereby the liquid carbon dioxide may be collected, transferred and stored in portable shipping containers.

It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made in this device without departing from the spirit of the invention and therefore the invention is not limited to what is shown in the drawings and described in the specification but only as indicated in the appended claims.

'What is claimed is:

1. 'In refrigeration apparatus, an evaporator, a fermentation tank of the character utilized in the manufacture of beer, means for passing evolved fermentation gas in heat exchange relation with said evaporator to condense a condensible portion of said gas,'means for collecting said condensate including a gas space for housing vapor above said condensate including a noncondensible portion, means forcarbonating a' product of said fermentation tank such as beer, a means for utilizing said condensate removed from below the liquid level in said collecting 2. The structure recited in claim "1, 'andni'eans "for distributing gas from said vapor space in contact with said condensate topoints of utilization, such as for the displacement of air from receptacles, in connection with the manufacture of the completely packaged fermented product of said tank, such as packaged beer.

3. The structure recited in claim 1, and'means for utilizing the gas from said gas space for transporting a product of said fermentation tank, such as for example, the transportation of beer in bulk.

4. In apparatus for brewing beer. a fermentation tank, a condenser for condensing gas evolved by said tank, a collector for collecting said condensate including a gas space above the condensate space, means for treating said beer with relatively pure fermentation gas obtained from the condensible portion of the evolved gas existing in liquid form below the level of said 'condensate, means for associating said beer with fermentation gas obtained from said gas space above said condensate, a distributor for passing fermentation gas condensate from below the liquid level in saidcollector to a place of utilization in connection with said first mentioned means, and a distributor for passing fermentation gas from said gas space to-said second mentioned means.

5. The method of handling and carbonating beer-comprising, condensing at least a portion of the condensible fermentation gas evolved by said beer, taking condensate from below its liquid level, gasifying same, and utilizing this gasified fermentation gas for carbonation, and utilizing the fermentation gas above the liquid level which may include a non-condensible portion for otherwise handling said beer such as for example in transportation and in'the filling of containers with the said beer.

6. In refrigeration apparatus, an evaporator, a fermentation tank of the character utilized in the manufacture of beer, means for leading gas evolved by said tank in heat exchange relation with said evaporator to condensate at least a fraction of the condensible portion of said gas, means for collecting fermentation gas condensate, means for utilizing said condensate in gaseous form obtained from below the liquid level of said condensate in association with a product of said tank such as beer, means for effecting regasification of said condensate located between said condensate collector and said means for utilizing the condensate, said regasification means including a heat absorber, and a reducing valve located prior to said heat absorber.

7. In refrigeration apparatus, an evaporator, a

fermentation tank of the character utilized in the manufacture of beer, means forleading gas evolved by said tank in heat exchange relation with said evaporator to condense at least a fraction of the condensible portion of said gas, means for collecting fermentation gas I condensate, means for utilizing said condensate in gaseous form obtained from below the liquid level of said N condensate in association with? product of said tank suchas beer, means for effecting'regasi fifor collecting fermentation gas condensate,

means for effecting regasification of said con densate withdrawn from below the liquid level of said condensate including a heat absorber, means for effecting flow of warm ambient over said heat absorber, and means for controlling said flow in accordance with the pressure of said gas subsequent to its leaving the said heat absorber.

9. In refrigeration apparatus, an evaporator, a

fermentation tank of the character utilized in the manufacture of beer, means for leading gas evolved by said tank in heat exchange relation with said evaporator to condense at least a fraction of the condensible portion of said gas, means for collecting fermentation gas condensate, heat absorber means for regasifying said condensate obtained from below the liquid level of said condensate connected with said collecting means, a receiver for said regasified gas, means for connecting said heat absorber means with said receiver, a valve between said absorber and said receiver, and means for controlling the operation of said valve in accordance with temperature conditions within said heat absorber.

10. The structure recited in claim 9, said regasifying means including a heat absorber, said control means including a thermostat associated with the inlet to said heat absorber, and a thermostat associated with the outlet of said heat absorber.

11. The structure recited in claim 9, said regasifying means including a heat absorber and means for passing warm ambient thereover, and means responsive to pressure conditions in the connection between the heat absorber and the receiver for controlling the fiow of ambient over said heat absorber.

12. In'refrigeration apparatus, an evaporator, a fermentation tank of the character utilized in the manufacture of beer, means for leading gas evolved by said tank in heat exchange relation with said evaporator to condensate at least a fraction of the condensible portion of said gas, means for collecting fermentation gas condensate, a heat absorber, conduit means connecting said collecting means from below the liquid level of condensate therein with said absorber, means for flowing relatively warmambient over said heat absorber, a re-evaporated gas receiver, concluit means for connecting said heat absorber with said receiver, an automatic valve, a metering orifice, a check valve in said last mentioned conduit means, means responsive to the pressure within the conduit means connecting said heat absorber with said receiver for controlling the fiow of ambient over said evaporator, and means for controlling said automatic valve including a thermostat associated with! the inlet to said evaporator coil and a second thermostat associated with the outlet of said evaporator coil, said automatic valve being adapted to be held open in accordance with the operation of said first and second thermostats, said first thermostat being adapted to hold said automatic valve open only when it is above a predetermined normal temperature, said second thermostat cooperating with said automatic'valve being adapted to hold said automatic valve open only above a lower predetermined temperature, said automatic valve being adapted to be closed below said lower predetermined temperature, whereby said heat I absorber may be periodically defrosted when the 45 temperature threinldrops'below the said lower predetermined temperature.

13. The structure recited in claim 12, said pressure control means for controlling the flow of ambient over said heat absorber being responsive to the differential in pressure along at least two spaced points of the conduit connecting said heat absorber with said receiver and acting to effect flow of said ambient when the pressure is higher adjacent said heat absorber and lower along the conduit extending toward said receiver.

14. In'refrigeration' apparatus, an evaporator, a fermentation tank of the character utilized in the manufacture of beer, means for passing evolved fermentation gas in'heat exchange relation with said evaporator tocondensate said gas, means for passing said condensate in heat exchange relation with additional evolvedfermentation gas to precool the same, means for passing said precooled gas in heat exchange-relation with said evaporator to condense same, and means for utilizing said final condensate for carbonation.

15. In refrigeration apparatus, an evaporator, a fermentation tank of the character utilized in the manufacture of beer, means for passing evolved fermentation gas in heat exchange relation with said evaporator to condense said gas, means for storing said condensate including a liquid space and a gas space, means for withdrawing liquid condensate from said storing means and passing it in heat exchange relation with additional evolved fermentation gas to pre- 0001 the same while maintaining it in agesous condition, means for returning regasified liquid from said storing means back to the gas space of said storing means, means for passing said precooied fermentation gas in heat exchange relation with said evaporator to condense the same, means for passing the thus formed condensate to said storing means, and means for utilizing said final condensate within said stor- 5 ing means for carbonation.

LOUIS DE MARKUS. LEON BUEHLER, JR. 

